Fulham boss Roy Hodgson enjoyed a lot of success against Roma when he coached in Italy - and he is hoping for more of the same on Thursday.

While coaching Inter Milan, he took on Roma five times, winning three matches and losing just once.

Hodgson's Fulham were denied three points after a last-gasp equaliser by Roma in their recent Europa League match at Craven Cottage.

"I have always enjoyed coming here (to the Stadio Olimpico)," Hodgson said. "My memories are more positive than negative."

The Cottagers go into their third game in Group E inspired by their 3-1 triumph over Liverpool at the weekend.

They are in second position in the standings, one point behind leaders Basle and one point clear of Roma.

Hodgson knows the importance of Thursday's match for his team and Roma.

"I expect Basle to win tomorrow," Hodgson said. "That means that whoever loses tomorrow at the Stadio Olimpico will have a difficult task to progress.

"I think in order for us to go through to the next round, we will need to finish with nine or 10 points."

"We will be wise and be prepared for a difficult game," he added. "We want to see how far we can go against them.

"I didnt see a struggling Roma in our opening game. I am sure Roma will finish quite high up in the Serie A table, they have great players. They have plenty of time to change things around."

Hodgson believes Roma and Basle are still favourites to advance but Roma will have to work hard to defeat his side.

"I think Roma and Basle are very good teams," he added. "If it goes well for us tomorrow then thank you very much.

"But we are looking forward to the game tomorrow, I think all the players are looking forward to it. Tomorrows game is one of those games that will show how far we have come."

Hodgson admitted last month's 1-1 draw against the Giallorossi was a bitter setback for his side and hopes his team will have better fortune.

"It was a big disappointment for me the result against Roma," Hodgson said.

"We were hindered by the refereeing in that game with that last-gasp equaliser but we hope it will eventually balance out."

Hodgson expects no trouble at the Stadio Olimpico - but does not expect the same atmosphere in Rome as at Craven Cottage.

Roma have sold just 20,000 tickets for the match.

"I would be surprised if there was any trouble," Hodgson said. "I dont know about the atmosphere, if you have 20,000 at Craven Cottage you have a packed stadium while the Stadio Olimpico has a 77,000 capacity."

Hodgson confirmed that injured trio Danny Murphy, Andrew Johnson and Damien Duff were all ruled out for the clash against Roma and the Premier League trip to Wigan coming up on Sunday.

"I dont think there's much hope for for Johnson, Murphy and Duff for the weekend," Hodgson said.

However, he is confident his team would again overcome Johnson's absence.

"Even without Johnson, we are scoring a few more goals," he said.

He also insisted he was ready to extend his contract with Fulham, with his current deal ending next summer.

"I am open to discussions," he said. "Fulham has already got in touch with my agent."